Anthony Johnson’s Comeback to Take Place With Bellator, Not UFC

In the preceding months, as Anthony Johnson has talked about making a comeback, the consensus all along has been he’d do so with the UFC. Well, chances are eyebrows are being raised throughout MMA, following the news that Johnson is expected to sign with Bellator.

Johnson expected to sign with Bellator “imminently”

The feared slugger shocked the MMA world in 2017, when after he was submitted by then, light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier at UFC 210, he announced he was retiring. In more recent months, however, Johnson has said he planned to fight again.

Due to Johnson’s lengthy run with the UFC, and his abilities, there was no reason to think he wouldn’t return to the Octagon. But, ESPN recently reported this.

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has mutually parted ways with the UFC and has agreed to terms with Bellator, sources told @arielhelwani

Johnson is expected to sign his deal imminently and compete as a light heavyweight in the first half of 2021.

And in addition, Bellator boss man Scott Coker seems to have pretty much confirmed Johnson’s headed to Bellator, via this tweet.

Latest big-name fighter to leave the UFC

Johnson’s departure comes not long after it was confirmed that the UFC has released Yoel Romero, who contended for the middleweight title for years. UFC President Dana White reported afterward, however, that Romero was one of many cuts planned (as many as 60).

We don’t know why the UFC has elected to part ways with Johnson specifically. But, he is 36, and similar to Romero, he was likely on the higher end of the pay grade.

So, one could theorize that this is another decision by the UFC to make the roster younger and less pricey. It’s worth noting that 37 contracts were handed out in the latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series.